Information about Zeekler/Zeek Rewards

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Based on complaints filed by consumers, last month we issued a civil investigative demand to Zeekler, a penny auction website based in Lexington, NC, seeking records so we could examine its business practices. We have started receiving those documents and are continuing to investigate the company.

Zeekler shut down its website and closed its doors last week, leaving many consumers with questions.

On August 17, Rex Venture Group, the parent company of Zeekler and Zeek Rewards, entered into a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC alleged that Rex Venture Group was engaged in the unregistered sale of securities. Our office had expressed concerns about Zeekler publicly as well as to federal law enforcement. A receiver has been appointed to take over the business.

Consumers who are part of Zeekler should contact the receiver appointed by the court to handle the company's assets. The receiver has established a website for consumers, http://zeekrewardsreceivership.com/, and an email address, info@ZeekRewardsReceivership.com. Consumers need to contact the receiver directly for information on the claims process. [Please note that the website is experiencing a lot of traffic and may not be available the first time you click on the link.]

If someone offers you the opportunity to buy into a business, remember:

Be skeptical of high earnings claims.

Be especially cautious if the focus is on recruiting new members and selling products or services to them as they join.

Check out the company with our office and the Better Business Bureau. You can contact our Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or ncdoj.gov.

And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Also, see our warning on reload scams that may target former Zeek Rewards participants.

[This page was originally published August 17, 2012 and updated on August 21 and 22, 2012.]